| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 301 | 15g | 1g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 5g | 3g | 0.3g |
As someone who loves to play with flavors, there’s a fruit-based recipe that’s close to my heart. The vibrant and zesty Cranberry Walnut Salad is more than just a meal, it’s an explosion of taste that wraps you in a comforting familiarity, while presenting a novel spin. Drawing on my Cuban and Spanish roots, I have often used this delightful dish as a bridge between the heavy heats of Caribbean cuisine and the laughter-filled, small plate goodness of Spain.
Health Benefits
This bowl of deliciousness is not just pleasing to your taste buds, but also packs a plethora of health benefits. Fresh cranberries, the life of this salad, are known for their abundant vitamin C content and potent anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the walnuts add a hearty dose of protein and heart-healthy fats. The crunch of apples delivers fiber, while the celery endows this dish with vitamins A, K, and C. Sweetened with granulated sugar and balanced with a tangy zest of orange, this salad can be a nourishing side dish, or, having salt to taste, can even serve as a light meal.
A Dish in Harmony
The Cranberry Walnut Salad, with its medley of flavors and textures, stands on its own. However, it also complements other dishes beautifully. It is reminiscent of the classic Apple Cranberry salad but introduces twists that make it uniquely, well, ‘Eva’. With some creative license, I find it similar to the traditional Cuban Papa Rellena, replacing the meat with fruits and nuts.
This salad pairs exceptionally well with a range of dishes – think roasted turkey on a Thanksgiving table or a simple grilled chicken on a sunny summer afternoon. Its soothing crunch breaks the monotony of soft, spongy foods, and its cool freshness cuts through the richness of meaty mains.
So why do I love this Cranberry Walnut Salad? It’s simple. It’s the harmony of flavors, the dance of textures, and the compatibility with countless dishes that makes this salad a star. These are also the reasons why I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it too!
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound fresh cranberries
- 2 large apples, cored and chopped
- 1 cup walnut halves, toasted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the fresh cranberries thoroughly under running water, then drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Step Two
For the apples, core and chop them into small pieces. Avoid peeling them as the skin carries a lot of the nutrients and it also adds a nice texture to the salad.
Step Three
Take a dry skillet and toast the walnut halves over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re lightly toasted and fragrant. Let them cool.
Step Four
In a large bowl, combine the fresh cranberries and sugar, tossing until the cranberries are well-coated with the sugar. Set aside for about 10 minutes.
Step Five
Add the chopped apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and chopped celery to the bowl with the sugared cranberries. Toss all the ingredients together to mix well.
Step Six
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture and toss to distribute it evenly.
Step Seven
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more sugar or salt to taste. For best flavor, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
